Lessons from Confucius: The Importance of Learning Poetry, Rituals, and Impartiality

Chen Kang (1) asked Bo Yu, “Do you also have different opinions (2)?” He said, “Not yet. I once stood alone, and the carp rushed past the courtyard. He said, ‘Are you learning poetry?’ He said, ‘No.’ ‘If you don’t learn poetry, you have nothing to say.’ The carp went away and learned poetry. The next day, he stood alone again, and the carp rushed past the courtyard. He said, ‘Are you learning etiquette?’ He said, ‘No.’ ‘If you don’t learn etiquette, you have nothing to stand on.’ The carp went away and learned etiquette. Hearing these two things,” Chen Kang said with joy, ”I have learned three things from one question. I have heard about poetry, I have heard about rites, and I have heard that the gentleman keeps his son at a distance (3).

[Notes] (1) Chen Kang: Kang, pronounced gāng, is the name of a student of Confucius. (2) Different opinions: here refers to the content that is different from what is said to other students. (3) Keep at a distance: pronounced yuán, not close, not favor.

[Translation] Chen Kang asked Boyu, “Have you heard anything special from your teacher?” Bo Yu replied, “No. One day he was standing alone in the hall, and I was walking quickly through the courtyard. He said, ‘Have you studied the Book of Songs?’ I replied, ‘No.’ He said, ‘If you don’t study the Book of Songs, you won’t know how to speak.’ I went back and studied the Book of Songs. Another day, he was standing alone in the hall, and I was walking quickly through the courtyard. He said, ‘Have you studied the rites?’ I replied, ‘No.’ He said, ‘If you don’t study the rites, you won’t know how to behave. I went back and studied the rites. I have heard these two things.” Chen Kang went back and said happily, ‘I asked a question and got three benefits. I heard about the principles of the Book of Songs, I heard about the principles of the rites, and I heard that a gentleman does not favor his own son.’

Confucius, the celebrated Chinese philosopher, left a wealth of wisdom through his teachings. One of the intriguing anecdotes about his pedagogical approach involves a conversation with his student Bo Yu, illustrating the value of education in poetry and rituals, and the significance of impartiality in leadership. This story provides profound insights into the principles that Confucius believed were essential for personal and moral development.

The Inquiry and the Teachings

A Student’s Question: Chen Kang, a scholar, approached Bo Yu with a question about any unique teachings he might have received from Confucius. Bo Yu’s response was revealing. He described two key interactions that left a lasting impression on him.

Teaching on Poetry: On one occasion, Confucius was standing alone in the hall. As Bo Yu walked quickly through the courtyard, Confucius asked, “Have you learned the Book of Songs?” Bo Yu replied that he had not. Confucius then stated, “Without learning poetry, one cannot articulate oneself properly.” This prompted Bo Yu to study poetry diligently. This teaching emphasizes the importance of poetry in developing the ability to communicate effectively and understand cultural nuances.

Teaching on Rituals: On another day, Confucius was alone again in the hall. As Bo Yu passed by, Confucius inquired, “Have you learned the rites?” Bo Yu responded that he had not. Confucius remarked, “Without learning the rites, one cannot establish oneself properly.” This statement highlighted the significance of understanding rituals in maintaining social order and personal dignity. Bo Yu subsequently devoted himself to learning about rituals, reflecting the idea that proper conduct and respect for traditions are vital for personal and social stability.

The Broader Lessons

Threefold Learning: Chen Kang was delighted by Bo Yu’s account, noting that he gained three significant insights from it:

The Importance of Poetry: Learning poetry is crucial for effective communication and self-expression. It enriches one’s ability to articulate thoughts and engage with cultural traditions.

The Role of Rituals: Understanding and practicing rituals are essential for maintaining societal norms and personal integrity. Rituals are not just formalities but foundational elements of social conduct and personal development.

Impartiality in Leadership: Confucius’s approach, as demonstrated in his teachings to Bo Yu, reflects a broader principle of impartiality. By emphasizing learning and proper conduct over personal favoritism, Confucius illustrated that true leadership involves guiding others based on merit and principles rather than personal bias.

Applying Confucius’s Teachings Today

Embrace Lifelong Learning: Confucius’s teachings on poetry and rituals remind us of the value of continuous learning. Whether through literature, traditions, or other forms of education, striving to expand our knowledge contributes to personal growth and effective communication.

Honor Traditions and Etiquette: Understanding and respecting cultural practices and rituals play a significant role in fostering a harmonious society. Incorporating these practices into daily life can enhance our interactions and uphold cultural heritage.

Practice Impartiality: In leadership and personal interactions, maintaining impartiality and fairness is crucial. Leaders and individuals alike should strive to act based on principles rather than personal preferences, ensuring equitable treatment and fostering respect.